My sister says she has a choice to eat right or not, but I say that because of her age she handicapped as far as motivation and desire to get up and prepare something healthy to eat for herself even knowing that it is best for herself. Is there something we can do to help her? She is planning on living alone and I will prepare foods for her to "heat up"....that's just dinner though...what about breakfast and lunch? please help someone!
She was killing herself. (She is MUCH older than your mom) As soon as she went to the NH, and got on a good diet, her health improved 100%.
If you are buying the groceries, I would insist that the meal be healthy.
By the way, 78 doesn't have to be old.
If you do Meals on Wheels for lunch and you prepare a meal for dinner, then breakfast would be your only concern -- is that right? Would she like hard boiled eggs (maybe devilled), a few crackers, and a piece of fruit? Think of easy things.
Is she on oral medication for diabetes? Insulin? Is she able to do any kind of exercise?
I think you are on the right path, for now. By providing some support such as doing her laundry and providing wholesome meals you may be giving Mom a few more years of living "on her own." Keep an eye on things and be prepared to step in more assertively if she becomes a danger to herself in ways you can't overcome while she is home.
I would definitely provide at least one meal a day, preparing it yourself, via meals on wheels, and/or a healthy frozen meal (if she can/will microwave it).
My bias is to let them age in place as long as they safely can.